Sunday, May 30, 2010

And I'm proud to be an American,where at least I know I'm free.And I won't forget the men who died,who gave that right to me.~Lee Greenwood

It is sad to think that when most of us consider Memorial Day, we simply see a 3 day weekend and a Monday off with a backyard BBQ. We rarely extend our thoughts past that point. We need to forget this concept,and remember what truly matters.

The word memorial in the dictionary is described as an object that serves as a focus for memory of something, usually a person (who has died) or an event. This could be a fountain, sculpture, or a gravestone. Memorial day was originally commemorated right after the civil war as a way to unify the people, and honor those who died in that war. Later it became a memorial for all soldiers lost from all previous wars, and as time goes on, all wars that have taken place since.

When I fully grasp the significance of this day, remembering the lives lost, and the ones forever changed, I can't help but be drawn to the grieving heart of so many mothers of soldiers lost, and fallen on the battlefield. Each one, was once a baby in her care. That thought has a magnitude that really opens your eyes, and your heart. Sometimes when the hurt is not right at our own front door step we do not comprehend the ultimate loss.

Now holding my little baby grandson in my arms, I can only hope that the freedoms his great grandfathers fought for, will allow him to have a full life, not just a long one, but one filled with the liberties so many gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect. Let us not become complacent or forget,not just in remembrance of our great grandfathers, but for the future our great grandchildren.

God bless all soldiers, those fallen, and the ones bravely standing today.